The second-largest nation in South America and eighth largest in the world, Argentina delights visitors with its exceptional natural beauty. The country’s diverse climatic conditions have produced a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from barren mountains and plains to icy lakes and glaciers.

Argentina enjoys a low population density, with most of its 40 million people living in urban centres such as Buenos Aires. Argentinean culture has been heavily influenced by European settlement, something that is reflected in its architecture, music, literature and lifestyle.

Key Highlights

Argentina’s intense cultural activity can be seen in the festivals, cinemas, theatres and concerts of its principal cities, especially bustling Buenos Aires. This European-influenced capital is one of the largest cities in South America and offers an amazing amount of options for tourists.

Located within an uncultivated setting and surrounded by subtropical vegetation, the World Heritage–listed Iguassu Falls are a truly awesome sight. Ranging between 60 and 82 metres in height, the 275 separate waterfalls tumble over the edge of a plateau with intense force, producing clouds of tiny droplets that shimmer with spectacular rainbows.

A remote region of stark natural beauty, Patagonia remains one of the world's last great frontiers. Travellers to this fragile corner of the world will discover stunning glaciers, shimmering turquoise lakes and dramatic snow-clad peaks. A highlight of the region is the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier, an easily accessible ice field where visitors can see (and hear) enormous icebergs calving off into the channel below.

In Depth

The third-highest railway in the world, Argentina’s Train to the Clouds travels through the steep mountains and astonishing landscapes of the Andes Range. Departing from the city of Salta, this trip takes you along the Valle de Lerma (Lerma Valley) and through Quebrada del Toro (Bull’s Gorge) to the impressive Polvorilla viaduct. Regarded as one of Latin America’s great train journeys, the railway certainly lives up to its name – clouds can often be seen around and under the bridges en route.